Information Pages, Guides and Resources

Minato Area Guide

Introduction

Minato, east of Shinjuku and Shibuya and bordering Tokyo Bay, is a ward in Tokyo. The famous Tokyo Tower can be found here as well as night life thriving district, Roppongi. The name minato means “harbor” as it borders the Tokyo Bay. The ward is home to many embassies and large companies such as Honda, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Sony, and many more. You can find many of these companies in Shiodome, an area filled with high rise developments and skyscraper. The ward is also home to ten universities and campuses, including Keio University. Roppongi, well known for its popular night club scene, attracts many tourists and locals alike for its nightlife, restaurants, museums, and entertainment. Across from Tokyo Bay is Odaiba, another popular entertainment area with many attractions such as Joypolis, Palette Town, and Tokyo Big Sight. Furthermore, Minato is home to large expat community so if you want to meet other foreigners, this is the area to live in. Populated areas include Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown, Aoyama, and Shinagawa. Aoyama is one of the wealthiest neighborhood in the district and known for its international fashion stores. Take a walk down Omotesando avenue whenever you feel like shopping, eventually stretching into Shibuya. When you want to wind down, you can visit Tsuki no Misaki at night to get a beautiful night view. If you are looking to experience the Tokyo city life, this is the place to live.

Living in Minato

Minato is one of the most expensive ward to live in. It also has a high number foreigners living in the ward, with around 18,500 foreigners. Its expensive living costs come with being in proximity to businesses, companies, and commercial districts. Roppongi, Azabu, and Hiro are popular areas with Westerners. However, with many foreign friendly places, there are few opportunities to interact with Japanese neighbors. You can find many high-rise apartments as well as luxurious condominium. Upscale neighborhood districts include Aoyama, Akasaka, Azabu, and Shiba. If you are a smoker, you are allowed to smoke only in designated smoking areas since the Minato has outlaw public smoking and disposing cigarettes in public places.

Transportation

You will have no trouble finding transportation living here. With over ten railway lines, you can get your destination anywhere in Tokyo. The major stations in Minato are Shinagawa and Shimbashi. The company with six railway lines serving all over Minato is the Tokyo Metro. Wherever you are, most likely you will be able to reach a nearby station in just few minutes. The Tokaido Shinkansen, bound for Shin-Osaka, can be boarded on at Shinagawa Station.